Developers of Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era Reveal Details About the Swarm Faction

Unfrozen Studio, the developers behind Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era, have unveiled further details about the intriguing Swarm faction, following an initial teaser. The team delved into the faction's design inspiration, tracing its evolution from the initially conceived "Inferno" to the final, chilling "Swarm," and its place within the Jadame continent's narrative.

The Swarm's defining characteristic is its remarkable adaptability. Certain creatures possess abilities directly influenced by enemy unit levels – the greater the disparity, the more devastating the attack. Others, such as mantises, boast tactical flexibility, choosing from three distinct abilities each round. A unique survival mechanism allows creatures like worms and locusts to consume corpses, regenerating health and boosting their power – a skill also learnable by player heroes.

In Olden Era, the insectoid race, previously only briefly mentioned in Might & Magic 8, assumes the role of the demonic threat. While respecting established lore, the developers infused the Swarm with elements of body horror and occultism, transforming them from a simple insect colony into a devoted cult under a single, powerful ruler. Each member is integrated into a vast collective consciousness, existing solely to serve their master's will.

Gameplay revolves around a "mono-faction" mechanic, rewarding players who field an army composed entirely of Swarm units, as these units synergistically enhance one another. Furthermore, Swarm troops can summon cocoons, their health directly tied to the army's overall size. The resulting larvae provide temporary reinforcements, enabling dynamic battlefield adaptation.

The Swarm's aggressive playstyle is highlighted by its corpse-devouring healing and empowerment abilities, coupled with unique attacks that shift based on enemy strength. This creates a confrontational, direct combat approach, providing players with a novel and strategically rich experience.